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Buddha Bar shut

1 September 2010 02:07 pm - 19     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Indonesian branch of the Buddha Bar, an international chain of upmarket bars, has been ordered to close because its name caused distress to Buddhists, a Reuters report quoted local media as reporting.

The move comes even as Sri Lanka had sought the closure of the Buddha bar chain headquartered in France with Sri Lankan missions in Europe being asked to act on the issue in June this year.

The English language newspaper Jakarta Globe reported that the Central Jakarta District Court in Indonesia on Wednesday ordered the owners of the bar, Nireta Vista Creative, to close down immediately following a complaint by a Buddhist group in that country.

The group had complained the bar's name and use of Buddhist decorations and statues was a form of blasphemy. A lawyer for the bar owners said they would appeal.

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne had in June this year said that he has decided to take action over the conduct of the Buddha Bar restaurant chain and inform the leaders of the countries in which these bars are located to take action against such places.

Subsequently the External Affairs Ministry told Daily Mirror online that it had alerted and sought a report from the Sri Lankan High Commission in France over the Buddha Bar operations.

All other Sri Lankan missions in Europe where the Buddha Bar restaurant chain is situated had also been alerted to begin investigations and submit a detailed report on their findings. (Daily Mirror online)

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  Comments - 19

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  • malkanthi Thursday, 02 September 2010 05:02 AM

    This is nothing to feel high about. In Sri Lanka buddhists are operating Bars, only name deffers.

    MJ Thursday, 02 September 2010 11:05 AM

    America move over. Sri Lanka is world police now!

    kali p Thursday, 02 September 2010 10:26 AM

    can you please try not to insult the Sri Lankan christians who are reading this article?

    Pradeep Thursday, 02 September 2010 10:08 AM

    What farce!!!!
    Are we the "custodians" of the lord buddha? Was the war stopped on poya days? No! Isnt alcohol and meats consumed on poya days?
    We are a country full of hypcrites, we need to first practise before preaching and put our house in order before going to preach to other nations.

    Minister Thursday, 02 September 2010 06:42 AM

    Good, Buddha Bar is closed. Thanks to to those who took action on that. But does that mean the Buddha teachings are not flouted in our own country and that is not an insult to Lord Buddha?

    Hemantha Thursday, 02 September 2010 06:30 AM

    Well done keep it up................................

    arshad Thursday, 02 September 2010 06:12 AM

    Mr. Bala is right , and wish to inform that there should be a resolution brought in the UN to presure Govts to not to allow insulting Religious leaders

    Kanniah Thursday, 02 September 2010 05:52 AM

    Is it a big achievement that we can be proud of? Are you aware that Mothers are throwing babies into wells and committing suicide because of poverty in the "wonder of Asia"? New born Babies are thrown into the garbage? Lying on the pavement, street children are begging for money? Churches, Temples and mosques are surrounded by beggars and the disabled begging for your generosity?

    rosh Thursday, 02 September 2010 05:41 AM

    Thanks for behaving according to your name

    malkanthi Thursday, 02 September 2010 05:04 AM

    Their motto is 'unity in diversity' where do we stand as buddhists??

    Bala Wednesday, 01 September 2010 02:26 PM

    Jeez, hope they close the rest too soon. France allows this sacrilege and anything against religions other than Christianity as evident by their banning Muslim headgear for women recently.

    Ananda Herath Thursday, 02 September 2010 04:20 AM

    He has done something good. Appreciate it.

    Saradial Thursday, 02 September 2010 03:55 AM

    Great! This is the way to respect other religions.

    joker Thursday, 02 September 2010 03:24 AM

    Indonesians don't respect any religion!

    Pushpe Thursday, 02 September 2010 01:24 AM

    Mr. PM, first start from home!

    Kamiss Thursday, 02 September 2010 12:35 AM

    Insulting any religion, in any form, must not be allowed! The court has given the right verdict!

    Above the crowd Wednesday, 01 September 2010 05:26 PM

    French are sheep fu...rs. They have no cooth

    Above the crowd Wednesday, 01 September 2010 05:23 PM

    This lawyer will pick up a penny from a pile of sh.t with his tongue . Let him appeal.

    Silva Wednesday, 01 September 2010 04:08 PM

    I hope the authorities will close all the bars with "Buddha" in London.
    Soon JESUS PUBS will be open for the public.


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